Secrets of the Great Oak

Chapter 13

Stella was the one to pick Anna up from work the next day. She drove a beige Volkswagon Beetle: so unbelievably Stella. Anna slid into the passenger seat with an awkward 'hello' and wave that she had no idea why she gave.

"Hey, girl." Stella leaned over the middle console to give Anna a hug. "I know I've kinda fallen off the map this past week or so. But, I'm glad we've got some time to catch up!" She said with a smile.

Anna only saw Stella at lunch on Monday and that was it. No calls, single-digit number of texts. Little-to-no communication this week. But, if Grayson was treating Stella well and making her this happy, then Anna didn't care too much. Once the newness wore off, she would be back to being an actual human.

"No worries, friend. It's kind of to be expected when you land a smokin' hot boyfriend! Tell me all about it. I want to hear everything from the first date to this morning!"

"Anna, he's amazing. He's sweet and kind and intelligent. Not to mention he's GORGEOUS!" Stella crooned. And Anna laughed, loving the smile that graced her friend's face. "That first night we went to dinner and then walked through Centennial Park. He was such a gentleman. He paid for everything, opened doors for me, pulled out my chair, he even asked if he could kiss me! He asked, Anna! He said that he didn't want to assume anything about the first date but, was dying to feel my lips. I'm being treated like a princess!"

"I'm so happy for you," Anna said.

"Thanks." She continued, "He slept over that night but, all we did was make out and sleep. He didn't push, didn't expect anything from me. So, naturally, I jumped his bones in the morning. Goodness, his morning voice is so sexy." Anna rolled her eyes. That was so like Stella. "We haven't been able to keep our hands off each other since. It feels like a dream. Every moment that he hasn't been working or at school, he's been at my place this last week or so. He has even read over my blog posts because he wants to learn about the things that I love. He actually said that! Ugh, he's amazing. If this is a dream, I never want to wake up."

They pulled up to Stella's apartment as Anna asked, "So what is he up to tonight that has you free for a little while?"

"Working." She locked the car with a slight honk and walked up the stairs. "He's putting himself through college. And he's a bartender. But, he said he'll come by after his shift. He even left some clothes here."

Stella was practically glowing. Anna hadn't seen her so excited about a guy in a while. She went on dates all the time but, she never really trusted someone this quickly. It was nice to see her beaming and truly happy.

"Stell, I'm so incredibly happy for you. This is amazing news to hear." Anna raised an eyebrow before continuing, "Especially to hear that you've actually found time to talk between all the kissing."

Stella laughed, a true, joyful laugh. "He actually wants to talk to me. We stay up late almost every night, not just being physical, but holding each other and talking. I've told him things that I've only ever told you and Tam before! It's so weird but, it feels right." Stella set her stuff down and flopped onto her white, faux leather sofa, dramatically sighing. "If someone doesn't stop me, I might fall in love with this guy."

"Well, I'd like to get to know him more, then! He sounds like a keeper. I'm seriously beyond happy for you, girl. You deserve someone like that."

"And the sex, Anna... It's amazing." Anna laughed. There was the Stella she knew and loved.

Stella sat up and met Anna's eyes with a serious look. "Anna, I'm so sorry about Sunday. It was my fault for bringing Gray and--"

"Hey," Anna interrupted. "It's not your fault at all. Tam acted of her own accord."